Woman Shot On Expy. Ramp

A 32-year-old woman was fatally shot in a van “riddled with bullets” on Lake Shore Drive, near the Stevenson Expy.

State Police said a brown full-size van pulled up and fired 10 to 14 shots at a 2000 white Dodge van around 4:20 a.m., State Police Capt. Luis Gutierrez said. Police say the shooting was gang- and drug-related, and not a case of road rage.

“Based on the preliminary information, it appears that this incident stems from gun and drug activity. There’s no danger to the public. We believe this is an isolated issue,” Gutierrez said.

The fatally shot motorist was identified as Michelle Smith, 32, of the 5000 block of South Paulina Street. She was driving the van on the ramp between Lake Shore Drive and the Stevenson.

A female passenger in the van was not injured, Gutierrez said. The vehicle was stopped in the area of the ramp that curves around McCormick Place.

State police acknowledged it was not the only shooting they’ve dealt with in recent weeks.

“We have been out here to try to address the issues that have been occurring on our expressways,” Gutierrez said.

Police sources said she Smith was a convicted felon who was a known gang affiliate, and had been arrested at least 10 times.

Authorities closed the southbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive near the expressway while they investigated the shooting. The ramp to the Stevenson was also closed. As of 7 a.m., the ramp remained closed, but cars were moving on Lake Shore Drive. The ramp reopened shortly after 9 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to call Illinois State Police at 847-294-4400.